William Saliba has missed the last four Arsenal games in succession with a back injury and football.london understands he's unlikely to make a return to action against Southampton on Friday night.
It's more than a month since the Frenchman was forced off in the first half against Sporting CP after aggravating the problem he picked up in the 3-0 victory over Fulham four days prior as the Gunners' hopes of lifting the Europa League trophy came to an end at the round of 16 stage.
In Saliba's absence, Rob Holding has stepped in to partner Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of Arsenal's defence and despite coming in for criticism from some supporters following the 2-2 draw against West Ham United last weekend, his performances have generally been OK even if he's unable to replicate what the France international does.
